Best Tara Jean Stevens Podcasts (2024)

1
Homosexuality: Deconstructing & Reconstructing Our Theology 1:06:10

2h ago1:06:10

1:06:10

Paul and Ashley discuss how opening one’s mind to learn other views of the evangelical theology on queerness can not only be freeing for the person, but life-saving to those around them. Paul is in Houston on the 1946 the Movie Road Tour sharing about the dangers of Christian Nationalism, its roots in weaponized abortion theology and the mistransla…

1
We Met Sarah Palin_ Our Journey w_ Christian Nationalism 51:43

4d ago51:43

51:43

In part 2 of their series on how they were in the middle of evangelicalism as Christian Nationalism had its rise around them, Paul and Ashley share about meeting Sarah Palin just after the 2008 election and about friends who tried to recruit them to be devotees to QAnon conspiracy theories. It's a wild tale of a wild shift in relgious people. And P…

1
We Saw Christian Nationalism Coming... Up Close and Personal 1:11:35

1d ago1:11:35

1:11:35

Ashley was running for mayor of the city of Fresno, CA. Paul was leading a group that was starting a new evangelical church. Why did they feel like such a bad fit in an evangelical religion growing evermore extreme and evermore political? Listen as Paul and Ashley share of the journey, including sitting at a table at the National Prayer Breakfast w…

1
Celebrating Freedom___ _freedom from religion_ 1:00:22

1M ago1:00:22

1:00:22

Paul and Ashley share moments on their journey of freedom from religion and how they are looking forward emotionally and spiritually. Also discuss how to keep one's head as dark moments such as SCOTUS ruling this week and discuss a new fave YouTube show @antibotBy Paul Swearengin

1
Debating the Debate: WTF Just Happened 1:01:25

29d ago1:01:25

1:01:25

Paul and Ashley Swearengin shared their live reactions immediately after the June 27 debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. It was a painful moment. Come process with us!

1
ISH Reunion: Paul, Jeremy and April Together One Last Time 1:28:49

16d ago1:28:49

1:28:49

In this episode, Jeremy returns with Paul for April's last episode as co-host of Evangelicalish. The 3 talk about the upcoming election, react to a few Evangelicringe videos and discuss plans for the future. Jeremy and April share their new endeavors and Paul talks about their plans for the future of Evangelicalish. Paul and Ashley (Paul's wife) wi…

1
Everybody Goes to Hell In Somebody Else's Religion with Candi Carpenter 1:13:00

2M ago1:13:00

1:13:00

Singer, Songwriter, Musician Candi Carpenter (@candicarpenter on social media platforms) joins April and Paul to discuss their new album Demonology, with the great song "Everybody Goes to Hell," and how they got to where they are after deconstructing their Christian upbringing. Follow Candi and check out her music: www.candicarpenter.com…

1
The Bible's Data vs Pride Month Dogma with Dr. Dan McClellan 1:10:07

2M ago1:10:07

1:10:07

Dr. Dan McClellan is back! He joins Paul and April to talk about what the Bible actually says when it comes to all of the "clobber" passages certain Christians like to use against LGBTQ people. Dan McClellan is a public scholar of the Bible and religion. He received his PhD in theology and religion from the University of Exeter. In 2022 he publishe…

1
The Exvangelicals with Sarah McCammon 59:27

2M ago59:27

59:27

This week, April and Paul have a conversation with Sarah McCammon, the author of The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church, a 2024 book that is part memoir and part journalism, about the movement of people who grew up inside the powerful evangelical subculture and ultimately left it behind. Sarah McCammon is a Nati…

1
S4 BONUS 6 P2: The Snake, Liar, Deceiver 47:34

2M ago47:34

47:34

This is part 2 of Tara Jean's latest S4 bonus episode, with Tammy Woods. She's one of Mike Bickle's alleged victims of clergy sexual abuse. This would've been years before he founded IHOPKC. She was his 14-year old babysitter, and he was her 25-year old pastor. *CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEW HEAVEN BENT+: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/…

1
S4 BONUS 6 P1: The Tool 33:46

2M ago33:46

33:46

In this pivotal S4 bonus episode, Tammy Woods shares a shocking, tender, & heartbreaking story. Tammy is one of several women who say they were groomed and spiritually, and sexually, abused by Mike Bickle - the founding leader of IHOPKC. *CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEW HEAVEN BENT+: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heaven-bent/id1513489117…

1
Heaven Bent: A Conversation with Tara Jean Stevens 1:13:48

2M ago1:13:48

1:13:48

Tara Jean Stevens joins April and Paul to talk about recent church controversies, such as IHOPKC, and the manipulation that is easily found in these environments. Her chart-topping podcast, Heaven Bent, a spotlights Pentecostal and Charismatic movements and helps victims and survivors find healing through telling their stories. Tara Jean has also b…

1
Taking Off the Tinfoil Hat: Conspiracies in Christianity 1:15:23

2M ago1:15:23

1:15:23

Cynane Shay of Taking off the Tinfoil Hat joins April and Paul for a chat about conspiracy theories within evangelicalism. Cynane is a nuclear engineer living in South Carolina. Her childhood in White Christian Nationalism (Florida-style) normalized conspiracy theories like Obama Birtherism and the Biblical apocalypse; but 2020, with COVID and Qano…

1
The History of Christian Zionism 1:08:19

2M ago1:08:19

1:08:19

April and Paul talk with historian Daniel Hummel on the history of Christian Zionism: what it is, how it started, who espouses it and the harm it causes today. Daniel G. Hummel is the Director of The Lumen Center in Madison, WI and a research fellow in the History Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He received his PhD in American hi…

1
Becoming a Guncle : From Publicly Outed to Proudly Out with Jonathan Merritt 56:57

3M ago56:57

56:57

Author and award-winning columnist Jonathan Merritt joins Paul and April to discuss his journey from being publicly outed to being proudly out and his new children's book My Guncle and Me. He also talks about his own faith, his relationship with his pastor parents and his inspiration to write My Guncle and Me. Buy the book: www.myguncleandme.com Co…

1
Hell is a World Without You - Growing up Evangelical 1:17:51

3M ago1:17:51

1:17:51

Jason Kirk joins Paul and April for a fun conversation about growing up evangelical. Jason is the author of the funny ex-vangelical novel Hell Is A World Without You and co-host of Vacation Bible School — a podcast with his wife, Emily. We also react to clips of Pastor Mark Driscoll and the drama he caused at the Stronger Men's Conference this past…

1
Deconstructing "Traditional" Marriage 1:10:38

3M ago1:10:38

1:10:38

Dr. Dana Hicks, author of The Knot, joins April and Paul for a discussion about new ways to think about marriage. Dana has researched marriage and divorce, and lived through both himself, even when he was a pastor. His conclusion? There's got to be a better way than what some call "biblical" marriage. Get connected with Dana's work: danahicks.blog …

1
1946: The Biblical Mistranslation That Shifted Culture 1:04:50

4M ago1:04:50

1:04:50

Is it true the word "homosexual" was never in any version of the Bible until 1946? And, if so, how did it get into so many different english translations? Rocky Roggio, Director of the movie 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture, joins April and Paul again to discuss their groundbreaking documentary, the heart behind and how to watch it now…

2801
S4 BONUS 5: The Group of 5 52:24

3M ago52:24

52:24

In 2014, 5 young men went into a formal mediation process with IHOPKC leadership. On this S4 bonus episode, Tara Jean’s conversation with 3 of those 5 former community members. How did leaders respond to this airing of grievances, and, does it tell us anything about how IHOPKC is responding to the ongoing scandal today? Hosted on Acast. See acast.c…

1
Disruptive, Authentic, Inclusive: Pastor Kristian A. Smith 1:26:11

4M ago1:26:11

1:26:11

April and Paul talk with Kristian Smith, a pastor and host of the Holy Smokes: Cigars and Spirituality Podcast. Kristian identifies as a Spiritual Humanist and is doing great work in the deconstruction space. In this episode, he discusses his journey to becoming LGBTQ affirming, White evangelicalism, the Black church and being a Spiritual Humanist.…

1
You Will Always Belong: Matthew Paul Turner 1:16:50

4M ago1:16:50

1:16:50

Renowned children's book author Matthew Paul Turner joins April and Paul to talk about his journey to being an openly gay Christian man and the impact his own embrace of authenticity has had on the books he writes. Get his latest book: You Will Always Belong Follow Matthew on social media: @matthewpaulturner Stay connected or support us by visiting…

1
The New Evangelicals, Super Tuesday & The Election 1:22:21

5M ago1:22:21

1:22:21

Tim Whitaker joins Paul and April to talk about what it means to be a new evangelical and why he started his nonprofit The New Evangelicals. We also discuss the white evangelical affect on the election, Super Tuesday and why Trump is still the chosen one. Then we react to videos in our new segment Evangelicringe. Follow Tim and TNE @thenewevangelic…

1
Fearfully and Wonderfully Weird: Journey to Emotional Wellness 1:20:17

5M ago1:20:17

1:20:17

Trigger Warning: This episode contains stories of sexual abuse and thoughts of self-harm. Over a year ago, Jenna of the Gianu System, appeared on an ISH episode to share about her journey with Dissociative Identity Disorder (D.I.D. - formerly known as multiple personality disorder) and saw some familiar things in Paul as she shared. Jenna joins us …

1
Roe v Wade Roots in Christian Nationalism 1:23:19

6M ago1:23:19

1:23:19

Rev. Rob Schenck joins April and Paul for a fascinating conversation that takes us behind the scenes of the movement that overturned Roe v Wade, showing the anti-abortion manipulation of Christians to the Evangelical Christian nationalism of today. Schenk, an Evangelical clergyman who has ministered to elected and appointed officials in Washington,…

1
I Kissed Purity Culture Goodbye 1:12:58

5M ago1:12:58

1:12:58

Paul and April talk to Kristina Hart, a faith-informed humor writer, content creator, comedian, and popular online persona about the trauma of Purity Culture and the impact it has in the decades the follower. We discuss the ramifications it has had on both dating and married life. Kristina is the spirited voice formerly behind The DTR Blog and now …

1
Pro-Life or Pro-Death? The Texas Border and Death Penalty 1:06:44

6M ago1:06:44

1:06:44

April and Paul dive into the thorny issue of how evangelicals reconcile their supposed stance on life with some, well, let's just say troubling recent developments. We'll be unpacking the disturbing reports from the Texas border, the ethical quagmire of the new nitrogen gas execution in Alabama, and how these realities clash with the "pro-life" lab…

1
Theologizin' Bigger with Pastor Trey Ferguson 1:09:24

6M ago1:09:24

1:09:24

Pastor Trey Ferguson joins April and Paul to discuss his new book Theologizin' Bigger: Homilies on Living Freely and Loving Wholly. As a podcaster and public theologian, Trey discusses many topics online and this chat is no different! We talk about the harm caused by the Penal Substitutionary Atonement theory in Christianity and how there are other…

1
Our 100th Episode 1:09:05

7M ago1:09:05

1:09:05

Paul, Jeremy, and April look back at where they were at episode 1 and cringe, laugh, and talk about what has changed since then. Thank you for being with us for 100 episodes! Here's to 100 more. Stay connected or support us by visiting our website: evangelicalish.com Follow the Evangelicalish team on Tiktok, IG, FB & Twitter: @evangelicalish, @past…

1
S4 BONUS 4: The Jane Doe Story 56:30

8M ago56:30

56:30

“Jane Doe” says Mike Bickle used scripture and prophecy to manipulate and sexually abuse her, starting when she was just 19. Tara Jean unpacks her story with the help of one of Jane Doe’s best friends at the time. Plus, Mike Bickle’s first public statement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Prepping for an ISH-y Holiday Season 1:07:57

7M ago1:07:57

1:07:57

Have we all deconstructed Christmas? What do we do with stories like the virgin birth, wise men at the manger and Jesus “no crying he makes” as a newborn. Laci Bean, the co-host of the “Deadly Faith Podcast, fills in for April and the crew discuss how much, if any, losing some of those stories that made Christmas special in the past are impacting o…

1
What Makes You Bloom with Kevin Garcia 1:09:17

8M ago1:09:17

1:09:17

When we leave conservative faith traditions behind due to toxic theology, bigotry, and harm, do we also lose our spiritual rhythm? Kevin Garcia wants to help people see they can still gather, pray, worship and have connection to heaven - which they say is a connection already designed inside us. Join the ISH crew for this interesting conversation L…

1
S4 BONUS 3: The IHOPU Meeting 36:33

8M ago36:33

36:33

It’s been about a month since allegations of sexual clergy abuse surfaced against IHOPKC founding-leader Mike Bickle. As the leadership's handling of the matter continues to be scrutinized, how did they break the news to IHOPU students? A member of the community recorded the meeting, so we can hear it for ourselves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p…

1
S4 BONUS 2: The Initial Investigation 36:44

9M ago36:44

36:44

One of the most-influential charismatic leaders in America has been accused of sexual clergy abuse, and Tara Jean is following along in real time. On this episode, some former IHOPers react to the latest developments. As well, reactions to Heaven Bent S4, a season that was raising concerns about IHOPKC right as these new allegations surfaced. Hoste…

1
Thankful for Thanksgiving? 1:14:38

9M ago1:14:38

1:14:38

Janice Lagata is back as a guest host for our discussion on Thanksgiving and dealing with the holidays - family dynamics, problematic history and finding ways to be thankful in a brutal world. Follow Janice @godhasnotgiven on IG/Tiktok or visit janicelagata.com Stay connected or support us by visiting our website: evangelicalish.com Follow the Evan…

1
Dr. David P. Gushee on Saving Democracy From Its Christian Enemy 1:11:57

9M ago1:11:57

1:11:57

American democracy is in danger at the hands of authoritarian-seeking Christians according to Christian ethicist Dr. David P. Gushee. His newest book "Defending Democracy from Its Christian Enemies" calls us to sane, ethical, and compassionate politics in a world where many Christians are instigating discord and vying for power. Join April, Jeremy …

1
S4 BONUS 1: The Allegations Against Mike Bickle 17:43

9M ago17:43

17:43

The founding leader of IHOPKC has been accused of serious sexual and spiritual misconduct by multiple women. Tara Jean returns with an update, and, her conversation with 3 former IHOPers who returned to IHOPKC last weekend, to hear this shocking news officially announced by leaders of the organization. Read the full IHOP statement: https://www.face…

1
GOP Speaker's Loud Christian Nationalism 1:14:44

9M ago1:14:44

1:14:44

Jeremy, Paul and April discuss the overt Christian Nationalism of the new GOP Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson. Stay connected or support us by visiting our website: evangelicalish.com Follow the Evangelicalish team on Tiktok, IG, FB & Twitter: @evangelicalish, @pastorpaul_tiktok, @pastorfromok, @aprilajoy Or email us: evangelicalish@gmail.com…

1
S4E6: Gracia 49:35

9M ago49:35

49:35

Gracia dedicated 6 years to IHOP’s 24/7 prayer room. But, she has grievances about her time there, especially when it comes to how they handled her sexual assault claim. Also, on the final episode this season, the surprising person who is coming to Gracia’s defence. *CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEW HEAVEN BENT+: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/pod…

1
S4E5: The Micahs 40:15

10M ago40:15

40:15

An exorcism? A false-murder confession? Rumours of a sex cult? Tara Jean explores the aftermath of Bethany Deaton's death. Also, a further spotlight on how IHOP leadership managed this crisis in their community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.By Tara Jean Stevens / Frequency Podcast Network

1
Are Witches Really Spooky? 1:16:59

9M ago1:16:59

1:16:59

If you grew up evangelical like we did, you were probably taught that anything "witchy" was evil and satanic. So, let's find out the truth about modern witchcraft. Hana O'Neill, aka The Suburban Witch, joins April and Paul to talk about all about it. Hana is a Professional Tarot reader, Natal Astrologer and Witch located in Australia. Her goal is t…

1
S4E4: Bethany 46:27

10M ago46:27

46:27

It’s 2012, IHOPU student Bethany Deaton dies in a shroud of mystery. Tara Jean explores what really happened and how it put IHOP’s spiritual practises, leadership and culture into question. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.By Tara Jean Stevens / Frequency Podcast Network

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Tara Jean Stevens Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide